SONG: "Crackerman" (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
ARTIST: Velvet Revolver
ALBUM: Unreleased
YEAR: ???
PLACE OF ORIGIN: Rancho Santa Margarita, California
YEARS ACTIVE: 2002 - 2008
WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:
The Stone Temple Pilots song "Crackerman" from their 1992 debut album "Core" is a complex and often debated track, primarily interpreted as exploring themes of drug abuse, paranoia, and the internal struggles of addiction. This is a cover version by Velvet Revolver, obviously with Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots' fame on vocals.
VELVET REVOLVER DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2004 - Contraband (RCA Records)
* Peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200
* Certified 2X Platinum
2007 - Libertad (RCA Records)
* Peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON VELVET REVOLVER:
Velvet Revolver would turn out to be a supergroup of members from the bands Guns N' Roses, Stone Temple Pilots and Wasted Youth. While their roots date back to a little before 2002, the band wasn't official until 2002. Former Guns N' Roses members Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum began working together again after departing Guns by 1997. Add in rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner of Wasted Youth fame and settling on STP's Scott Weiland on vocals. Initially Weiland did not want to join the band as he was already in STP. But, when his relationship with the other guys in Stone Temple Pilots soured, he eventually joined Velvet Revolver. This band came out of the gates hot! 2004's "Contraband" would be a huge success for the band, peaking at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts and being certified 2X Platinum to date. The album also featured the #1 hit song, and grammy winning song, "Slither". After doing major world wide touring in support of "Contraband", cracks were beginning to form in Velvet Revolver. Much of the same drug induced, self-inflicted problems that plagued Weiland's other band STP, began coming to the surface in Velvet Revolver. The band did manage to release their sophomore effort in 2007, titled "Libertad". Though still a very solid album, many people didn't think it reached the standards of their debut album. By 2008, the inner turmoil was too much for the band and they fired Scott Weiland. The next few years, Velvet Revolver did audition many lead singers, but ultimately, did not see a fit with anyone. The band did have one reunion concert for a benefit show in 2012. That would be the last time Weiland and the rest of Velvet Revolver would perform together again. Weiland would go back to working with Stone Temple Pilots and Slash and McKagan would eventually rejoin Guns N' Roses in 2016. Any future reunion of Velvet Revolver was basically crushed when Scott Weiland was found dead on his touring bus on December 3, 2015. Velvet Revolver was a really good band. First, let me say, I was never much of a Guns N' Roses fan. But I always respected Slash and McKagan's playing. I was, however, a huge Stone Temple Pilots fan. Still am. One of my favorite all time bands. I was kinda bummed at first about Velvet Revolver because I just wanted STP to get their shit together. Well, actually for Weiland to get his shit together. The minute I heard "Slither", I was like, ok... This band fuckin' rocks! Velvet always seemed to me to be a temporary project. I always thought STP was Scott's first love and if there was any way for all those guys to work out their differences, then STP would go on to make more music. The fact of the matter is, it's just terrible that Weiland has passed and he will never release new music with either band. It sucks for sure.
SIMILAR ARTISTS:
Stone Temple Pilots
Audioslave
Aerosmith
Foo Fighters
Puddle Of Mudd
TEN VELVET REVOLVER SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
1. Slither
2. Psycho Killer (Talking Heads cover)
3. Fall To Pieces
4. She Builds Quick Machines
5. Set Me Free
6. No More No More (Aerosmith cover)
7. Dirty Little Thing
8. Come On, Come In
9. The Last Fight
10. Get Out The Door
